Embarking on a kitchen refurbishment is a thrilling journey. Your design decisions have the power to transform your space, creating the heart of the home you’ve always envisioned.
Arguably, the most critical decision is what worktop to choose. To whittle down your options, you’ll need to consider your budget and kitchen layout, plus additional costs like cutting the worktop to fit. Finally, consider the ongoing upkeep of your worktop to keep it looking its best.
Every material has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Your ultimate choice should be a harmonious blend of practicality and aesthetics, creating the perfect worktop for your kitchen.
Classic Granite
Granite is the natural stone worktop that has it all. The perfect choice for a classic, high-end kitchen, its gorgeous aesthetics disguise a surface that’s durable, heat-resistant, and low-maintenance, provided it is properly sealed. However, it can be prone to etching, so keep anything acidic away from the surface.
Warm Hardwood
Hardwood worktops bring warmth to your kitchen. Opt for an FSC-approved hardwood like walnut or oak for textured appeal. Wood worktops require meticulous treatments to withstand water exposure and are prone to scorching and scratching. However, they’re easy to cut and install and bring a natural aesthetic to any kitchen refurbishment.
Elegant Marble
Marble is rocketing in popularity, bringing a unique aesthetic to any kitchen. Beautiful and on-trend marble worktops are fantastic for home pastry chefs, but their good looks come at a price. Marble is highly porous and high maintenance, requiring meticulous upkeep, so there may be better choices for a busy family kitchen refurbishment. Alternatively, try large-format marble-effect porcelain tile with its superior durability and water resistance.
Contemporary Composite Stone
Composite stone, like quartz, is a fantastic choice for elevating the family kitchen. Extremely durable, non-porous and heat-resistant, composite stone can be pre-formed for the ultimate seamless aesthetic. However, the price tag is at the upper end of the range compared to natural stone. But with little upkeep and a vast array of finishes, composite stone could be the right choice for your once-in-a-lifetime kitchen refurbishment.